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Iowa Republicans brace for record-setting presidential field

It’s the more, the merrier for Republican presidential hopefuls in Iowa. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee returned to the race on Tuesday. He won th...

It's the more, the merrier for Republican presidential hopefuls in Iowa.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee returned to the race on Tuesday.

He won the Iowa Caucuses back in 2008.

A day earlier, Dr. Ben Carson jumped into the race.

Scott County Republicans will host his appearance at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, at the Rogalski Center at St. Ambrose University.

Steve Grubbs is chairman of Davenport-based Victory Enterprises.

He's also serving as chief strategist in Iowa for Rand Paul's campaign.

"The great thing about Iowa is that American democracy is alive and well," Grubbs said.  "You don't have to be wealthy. You just have to be able to get a message out there."

Grubbs says that Republicans could run a record-setting lineup of 15 serious candidates in the Iowa Caucuses.

With more voices, there will be more choices.

"People are so dissatisfied with the direction of the country at this moment," said Judy Davidson, Scott County Republicans.  "I think that's what's sparking a lot of interest."

Republicans are offering eight announced candidates and another seven likely to run.

Several others, like Donald Trump, are testing the waters and preparing to enter the race.

"I think it generates a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of participation from people who haven't been involved in the system," said John Ortega, Scott County Republicans.

Grubbs' candidate, Sen. Rand Paul, got off to a rousing start with a rally at the University of Iowa.

All of these appearances show that Republicans are serious about Iowa and its role in the presidential process.

"That says something about Iowa, and it says something about democracy," Grubbs concluded.  "You can't be removed from the people and become president of the United States."

Until February, Republicans will create a traffic jam on Iowa roads to the White House.

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